Following an initial reveal at the 2012 Paris Auto Show 6 months ago, Mercedes confirms the launch of the B-Class Electric Drive for early 2014 in the United States first, and then Europe!

It is Daimler’s fourth purely electric vehicle and the second to bear the name Electric Drive (after the A-Class and Vito E-Cell) -a less sporty variation of the SLS Electric Drive.

Its specs are also confirmed with a range of 200km (115miles) a 100kW and 310Nm motor enabling acceleration from 0 to 100kph in less than 10 seconds for a top speed of 160kph – up by 10kph compared to Paris’ prototype.

Its battery (capacity undisclosed) charges at 50% in 2hours on the 240V/40A.

As the second generation of Smart Electric Drive, and taking into account shares held by Daimler, the powertrain’s electrification could be done by Tesla…

Positioned in the premium segment the B-Class will be a future rival for Bmwi3 also expected in late 2013, early 2014. No price has been announced yet...